What does Revelation 12:2 mean?

John records that the woman who appeared in the sign in heaven was crying out in pain. She was experiencing the trauma of giving birth. We learn from verse 5 that the child is appointed to rule the nations. This statement is a clear reference to Jesus Christ. Isaiah prophesied the birth of Christ in Isaiah 7:14: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us]."

Isaiah 66:7 predicts that the woman would deliver a son before her pain came upon her. This prediction seems to refer to the fact that Israel would bring forth Christ before the painful tribulation period. Israel's refusal to accept Christ, the Messiah, will bring the nation unprecedented pain in the tribulation. First Thessalonians 5:3 alludes to the painful tribulation by noting: "While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."